XP is freezing up (cpu=100%) nothing working but internet?

Question

I cannot access any programs, my computer took 20 minutes to start up and show all the programs on the desktop... The only thing that is working is the internet. It is being verrrrrry slow and my cpu speed is at 100%, it will go down for a moment and it will catch up, then is freezes again. For example I cannot gain access to anything from start menu... this all started when I was trying to uninstall Quicktime lastnight, I have tried re-booting several times but no luck. All I really want to do is get my picture files on a disk so I can re-format... even my windows CD is not working... PLEASE HELP

ok... clicked on processes; svchost.exe (system) is the one going full board, my task bar is making it impossible to minimise and restore programs... everything is going sooooo slow, I was able to access my picture files but cannot view them... When I startup the computer my screen won't show anything until the "windows is starting up screen", I tried all of the F keys, cause I couldent remember the right one... but it didnt work, that was lastnight, and I really don't want to restart again, looks like my programs aren't working, so scanning is not an option... any other sugestions? I will reformat but after I try and copy my ****.

ok I have zonealarm pro and it just popped up saying it just blocked access to my computer from ip:192.168.254.254..... then my task bar dissapeared once again.... what is going on? Is someone or thing in my computer eating up my speed or files, it seems like its microsoft that is ******* up, thank God the internet is still going...

Those were all very good answers, but in the end I just re-formated... I wasn't even able to back-up my programs, thank God I know a little about computers....It took me 2 days but I am back up to date and everything is fixed, and running so much faster now.......Thanks everyone!!!!

Answer 1

When your computer starts press F8 a lot of times until you get a screen menu.
Choose to start windows in safe mode.
Save everything, reformat, reinstall...

If F8 is not working, try that: press the ctrl key until windows starts

Good luck

Answer 2

Can't give you a sure-fix answer because there are many computer services that run silently in the background that show up as "svchost" in Task Manager.

As a quick elimination, if you have recently installed any new software or device, use System Restore to reverse that installation.

If that doesn't work and you really want to troubleshoot the problem, check out some basic scenarios and guidance here -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308041/en-us

Finally, a hardware solution is to get an external harddrive casing, remove your computer harddisk and install it in the casing, use another computer to copy out the files you need.
nb: make sure the other computer has up-to-date virus protection running.

After the files have been backed-up, format the harddisk, reintall.

Answer 3

hi just press F8 number of times while booting until u get a menu
select Safe mode.
then log in and
start->run->msconfig

remove all the startup programs and keep the system with minimal start up check all the options of msconfig.

u does not need to re format.

all u have to do is install a new anti virus software to check ur system is infected by virus.

Answer 4

Sounds like one of your programs is hanging up. Corrupt file maybe? If all else fails, reformat.
Use the disks that came with your computer to reload your operating system.
1.Make sure you can reload all programs you paid for. (ex: Photoshop)
2.Go to your XP help and print out re-install instructions.
3.Backup files.
4.Re-install.
5.Download XP updates. This may take 2 or more hours. (high speed)
6.Then load antivirus, antispy, etc.
7.Load all other stuff.
Good luck. You'll be glad you did it.

Answer 5

Start removing unneeded programs whenever possible. Then defrag if you can. If you can get into registry, you'll be able to get rid of a bunch of crap. Do that if you can. You might have to either send it off, (i did that) or empty it yourself. Do you have a thumb drive? I lost all my photos, when I sent mine off. I hoope you luck out and save your things. I had some things I never wanted to lose. That hurt! From now on (once its cleansed) back up files.

Answer 6

sounds to me that you are infected...spyware, bots, keyloggers, viruses, trojans, etc.....
If the internet is working and you have internet explorer, you can go to http://www.bitdefender.com and do an online scan.
Sometimes what happens is that viruses and such can disable your security features leaving you open to whatever is running rampid on your system and also leaves an open invitation for more to come.

Also if you are running a lot of programs and your computer is a legacy machine, this can also cause a slowness/ freezing problem.

If this isnt the case then go to the above address and run the online scan and step away from the machine and let it do what it needs to do.
Its one of the best online scanners and I use that for my clients when their antivirus doesnt work and they are infected.

Answer 7

Well you're not 100% correct. Press cont-alt-del and then click processes. This will tell you which program is consuming all those resources. Then find it and delete it. Sounds like you've got some spyware in there and need to go to pctools.com and get spyware doctor.

'nuff said?

Answer 8

Your PC is infected by Virus.
Install Avast! Antivirus & check for virus infected files & delete.
You can download this antivirus from www.avast.com

Answer 9

boot to cd and use the replace the windows files option
DO NOT FORMAT reinstall your burn software and save you data and picture , once you have done this ,format and start again this time do a format

Answer 10

i dun think of there is something incorrect with IE7... yet its the subject on your pc. conflict with that gadget. If i m not incorrect, in simple terms, format your pc. then i think of there wun be issues.